I quickly ran out the door, my lips still hot with the kiss. I looked back to see him smile at me before greeting the woman.
“Hello, Catherine,” he said, and the rest was lost as the door closed.
I held my hand to my lips, my heart pounding. Why had I kissed him? Why had I come here? He didn’t want to be thanked. He had done this without telling me, yet here I was. I was a glutton for punishment, I decided. I liked the way Mr. Darcy put me off balance.
I nodded to the secretary and escaped down the elevators and out to the lobby. My lips still tingled, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. I felt lighter than I had in months and I knew it had to do with Mr. Darcy.
I needed to see Jane. I needed to tell her that I’d seen him.
Outside his building, the wind was cold and sharp. It felt good against my hot cheeks, and I loosened the buttons on my jacket. Everything was hot from being with him. I stepped out onto the sidewalk and looked up toward his office. It was silly, but I thought I could see him looking down at me.
I waved and smiled, even though it was stupid. It probably wasn’t even his office, yet I liked the idea of him watching me and smiling.
Chapter 21
I knew the way to the art museum with my eyes closed. I loved visiting Jane at her work. The museum was always full of beautiful objects, but the backroom where she worked at restoring priceless artwork was the true treasure trove.
I waved to the security guard and docent who smiled and waved back as I headed to the work area. I slipped through a work door and followed the scent of paint. Jane was at a speckled sink cleaning her brushes.
“Guess who?” I said, stepping out from behind a canvas.
Jane grinned. “Lizzie! What a nice surprise. I was just about to stop for lunch. Want to join me?”
I nodded and came around to stand by the sink as she methodically worked the brushes clean.
“I’d love to,” I told her. “I need a drink.”
She glanced over at me. “What happened in the last two hours that requires a drink?” Concern flickered across her face. “It’s not Lydia, is it?”
“No, no. Lydia’s fine,” I told her. I took a deep breath and stood before her. “I think I like him.”
Jane just frowned. “Like who?”
I hesitated, but Jane was my best friend. If I couldn’t tell her, then I wouldn’t be able to tell anyone.
“Mr. Darcy.”
Jane laughed. “Are you serious?” She laughed some more before looking at my face and seeing that I was. “Oh. My.”
“Yeah.”
She managed to look thoughtful for about two seconds before cracking up. “You can’t be serious, Lizzie,” she said, trying to keep herself composed. “Do I need to send you the video of the two of you arguing? You hate him. You slapped him in the face the first time you met him. You don’t like him.”
“I didn’t say he wasn’t an ass,” I retorted, crossing my arms. I didn’t like her laughing at me. “I said I might love him.”
That sobered her up fast. “Whoa.”
“I mean, like. I meant I like him.” I tried to cover it up, but it was too late. I’d said the L word.
“Oh, nononono,” Jane replied. She wasn’t laughing anymore. “You don’t make a slip like that without meaning it.”
I slumped against the wall. “Then you get my problem.”
“Oh, Lizzie.” Jane sighed and put her brushes away to dry. She picked up a towel and dried her hands. “What are we going to do with you?”
“Buy me a drink?” I offered. “That’s a good thing to do with me.”
Jane chuckled and put her arm around my shoulder. “All right. Come with me.”